HomeFront’s Halloween Run Coming To Carnegie Center In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — HomeFront's Halloween Run/Walk and Family Day just got a lot more interesting. For the first time, HomeFront is organizing its 5K, 1 mile, and “marathon finisher” run/walk on Halloween morning, Oct. 31, and adding family fun events for young children.

Preschoolers can participate in a 100-yard Pumpkin Dash, decorate pumpkins, and take photos at the Halloween photo area. There is no age limit for children to participate. They can enjoy the costume contest, decorate trick or treat bags, and walk around to the “Trunk or Treat”, where cars decorated for Halloween will give out candy.

The Halloween Run/Walk and Family Day is scheduled to take place at the newly created course at Carnegie Center, Princeton. The course will be decorated for Halloween and will feature live performances by four music acts. Those who can’t be present can participate virtually in the 5K, 1 mile, or marathon challenge events.

This virtual option has a Halloween video kick-off, a runner playlist, and encourages participants to share photos and videos of themselves in costume. For the in-person event, COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed, and if necessary, would be moved to be completely virtual.

“The Halloween Run/Walk and Family Day makes possible HomeFront’s year-round Joy, Hopes & Dreams children’s programming and summer camp for 400 local children who are homeless or living in poverty” Chris Marchetti, the program’s director said in a statement.

“During Covid-19, we’ve seen the interruption of schooling and social isolation has compounded the trauma of becoming homeless for our kids, setting them back even further academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. Our kids receive tutoring three times a week tutoring, weekly classes with the Arts Council in Princeton, a host of field trips to broaden our kids’ horizons, STEM and academic enrichment, sports, college preparation, mentoring, and summer camp. Our programming has for the past 30 years helped children heal from the trauma they’ve experienced, feel joy, receive the support, skills, and develop the dreams needed to break the cycle of poverty.”

HomeFront is Central Jersey's leading nonprofit social service agency, that works to end homelessness through the resources and expertise of the community.

To sign up or donate, visit www.homefrontnj.org

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